On Thursday, November 17th the Texas Tech chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta, will host its Thetasgiving event at its fraternity lodge on 19 Greek Circle from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to help raise funds and awareness for CASA of the South Plains. A CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate is a volunteer that helps foster children navigate the child welfare system and ensure their needs are being met while working to help find safe, permanent homes. Members of the Greek community, friends, and family will gather for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and hear from CASA volunteers and staff as they discuss the vital role that CASA plays in the lives of children in foster care in the South Plains. The Honorable Judge William Sowder of the 99th District Court will also be in attendance and provide his insight into how CASA directly impacts the Lubbock community. Tickets for the dinner are $5.00 each. All proceeds from ticket sales, t-shirt sales, and donations will go to supporting CASA of the South Plains and its mission to provide a CASA volunteer to every child in foster care.
For more than 25 years, Kappa Alpha Theta and CASA have shared a relationship rooted in the belief that every abused or neglected child should be safe, establish permanence, and have the opportunity to thrive. Thetas have been advocates for CASA, contributed countless volunteer hours, and provided millions of dollars in support of National and local CASA programs.
Kappa Alpha Theta chapters raise awareness of the CASA cause every day through unique, fun events and volunteering with local programs. Kappa Alpha Theta and its members are making lasting contributions as leaders, financial supporters, and passionate ambassadors for CASA’s mission. The fraternity’s more than 130 college-based chapters and 200 alumnae chapters and groups are generous supporters of the National CASA network of local programs.
“Thetasgiving is such an exciting event for the active members, alumnae, and the community. We’re proud and give to CASA of the South Plains, the Lubbock community, and Kappa Alpha Theta,” Missi Currier, Kappa Alpha Theta Lubbock Alumnae Chapter Vice President.
“We are thrilled to be part of Thetasgiving. Kappa Alpha Theta continues to be an essential partner of CASA of the South Plains. The Thetas understand the important role a CASA volunteer plays in the life of a foster child while they are in care,” said Gabe Ballesteros, Director of Communications and Marketing for CASA of the South Plains.
For more information on Thetasgiving event, please contact Natasha Ceaser, Philanthropy Director for Kappa Alpha Theta at natasha.ceaser@ttu.edu.
About CASA of the South Plains
CASA of the South Plains empowers community members to serve as volunteer Advocates that speak for the well-being of abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Court appointed special advocates are community members just like you who ensure each foster child’s needs remain a priority in an over-burdened child welfare system while working to find safe, permanent homes for these most vulnerable children.
CASA’s Impact
1. Children with a CASA Advocate spend 5 months less in foster care and are half as likely to re-enter foster care.
2. In 2015, CASA of the South Plains provided advocacy services to 485 foster youth.
3. CASA Advocates donated 8,591 hours in 2015, saving county taxpayers more than $343,640 in county paid attorney fees.
How You Can Help
1. Become a CASA Advocate – more than 700 children are without the assistance of an Advocate in the South Plains.
2. Become a CASA donor – Consider a monthly gift of $5 or more through the Heroes for Hope campaign. Every gift makes a difference!
3. Host a CASA 101 – CASA will come to your business and educate your staff about its mission and goals.
To learn how to become an Advocate, or to make a donation, visit www.casaofthesouthplains.org or call (806) 763-2272.
(News release from CASA of the South Plains)
